Museum of Polish History in Warsaw

The Museum of Polish History in Warsaw (MHP) was established on May 2, 2006, and its new headquarters at the Warsaw Citadel officially began operations on September 28, 2023. Its mission is to showcase key events in Polish history, with a particular emphasis on the traditions of freedom. The museum building, designed by the WXCA architectural firm, stands out for its modern architecture, featuring reliefs on its stone facade that draw inspiration from Polish architectural heritage, including the Gniezno Doors, the Zakopane style, and modernism. The building spans over 44,000 m², with 7,300 m² dedicated to the permanent exhibition. This exhibition, currently under development, will focus on three main themes: freedom, identity, and civilizational transformations, guiding visitors through various eras of Polish history via multimedia presentations and unique artifacts. The institution's history has been a complex journey, marked for many years by the lack of a permanent home, which ultimately led to the decision to build at the Citadel, supported by government authorities. The museum's collection includes nearly 60,000 objects, and its activities extend beyond national borders through exhibitions and collaborations with other educational institutions. The MHP Council comprises renowned historians and intellectuals, and since 2011, the Museum Friends Association has also been active. It is also worth noting that the museum annually organizes the "Przystanek Niepodległość" (Independence Stop) event to mark National Independence Day, and the Youth Council of the Museum was established in 2022 to engage younger generations. The permanent exhibition is scheduled to be completed in the autumn of 2026, with its narrative focusing on pivotal moments in Polish history, such as the 1920 Battle of Warsaw and the events at the Gdańsk Shipyard in 1980.